Theater to be razed for housing

The Elgin City Council endorsed a plan to subsidize twin housing projects by as much as $4.2 million, ending the possibility that the landmark Crocker Theater could be restored for entertainment use.

Despite calls from audience members to re-examine preserving the theater, council members last month voted 7-0 for the city to negotiate with Par Development of East Dundee to build 60 condominiums and 116 town homes on South Grove Avenue.

A formal vote on the plan will be taken July 11. The council's action also delayed a bid to save the theater's facade.As part of the plan, most if not all of the Crocker, which opened in 1923 but has been closed since the 1970s, would be torn down to provide parking for the developments. Officials previously had agreed to study whether to attempt to save the facade, which could cost the city $250,000 or more. But officials said losing the Crocker would be a small sacrifice to launch a $28 million project they believe could spur other companies to invest in the downtown area. "I think this can really help to improve property values for the rest of the downtown area" Councilwoman Ruth Munson said.

The city bought the Crocker in 1999 for $600,000 and has spent $30,000 renovating the facade. Many residents have backed the idea of resurrecting the theater, but, officials said, there has been little serious interest in the undertaking. The city estimates it would take $5 million to make the gutted theater functional again.

Par Development would receive an incentive of more than $3.1 million in land and as much as $1 million for expenses such as streetscaping and sewer upgrades. Officials said the subsidy is in line with what developers have received for other projects. But some council members expressed discomfort.

Councilman John Walters labeled such incentives "corporate welfare." But he said Elgin has little choice but to pay if it wants to upgrade its downtown area and remain competitive with other towns.

Preservationists petitioned the city to revive the Crocker or at least retain its facade.

Attorney Michael Noland presented a proposal to have the Crocker provide live theater, an arcade and a buffet. He said the city could create a non-profit enterprise and consider selling it to the private sector after it established itself. Noland urged the council to postpone making a decision until it studies alternatives.